Last Updated: Apr 30, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Collie Versus Australian Kelpie: Introduction
- Collie versus Australian Kelpie: Overview
- Collie versus Australian Kelpie: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Collie and the Australian Kelpie
- The Similarities Between the Collie and the Australian Kelpie
- Size Comparison of the Collie versus Australian Kelpie
- Lifespan of Collie versus Australian Kelpie
- Temperament of the Australian Kelpie Versus the Collie
- Price of Collie versus Price of Australian Kelpie
- Adopting the Collie versus Adopting the Australian Kelpie
- Tolerates Being Alone: Collie versus Australian Kelpie
- Do Collies shed more than Australian Kelpies?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Collie or the Australian Kelpie?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Collie or the Australian Kelpie?
- Are Collies good family dogs? What about Australian Kelpies?
- Is the Collie Easier to Train than the Australian Kelpie?
- Which one drools more, the Collie or the Australian Kelpie
- How Kid-friendly are Collies and Australian Kelpies?
- Does the Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Australian Kelpie?
- Do Collies Bark and Howl? What about Australian Kelpies?
- Can Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Australian Kelpies Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Collie vs. Australian Kelpie
- Can Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Australian Kelpies Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Collie versus Australian Kelpie. Which One is a Better Pet?
Collie Versus Australian Kelpie: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Collie and the Australian Kelpie? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Collie and the Australian Kelpie better suits you.
We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Collie and the Australian Kelpie.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Collie and the Australian Kelpie is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Collie and for the Australian Kelpie. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Collie and the Australian Kelpie.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Collie or the Australian Kelpie.
Note that the Collie breed comes in two varieties based on coat texture. There is the smooth collie and the rough collie. Read our article on rough collie versus smooth collie.
Furthermore, the border collie dog breed is very different from the collie dog breed. Learn about the differences between these two dog breeds in our border collie versus collie article.
See this article that compares the Border Collie to the Australian Kelpie.
Finally, just like the collie, the border collie also comes in two varieties. There is the rough border collie and the smooth border collie. To learn about the differences and similarities between them, check out our article on rough-coat border collie versus smooth-coat border collie.
Collie versus Australian Kelpie: Overview
Both the Collie and the Australian Kelpie are similar in size. The Collie and the Australian Kelpie are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, both the Collie and the Australian Kelpie are Herding Dogs. This means both the Collie and the Australian Kelpie were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
Collie versus Australian Kelpie: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Collie to the Australian Kelpie based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Collie and the Australian Kelpie
Factor | Collie | Australian Kelpie |
---|---|---|
Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Tendency NOT to Wander | 5/5 | 2/5 |
Life Span | 10 to 14 years | 10 to 15 years |
Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 4/5 |
Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Height | 22 to 26 inches all at the shoulder | 15 to 20 inches |
Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 2/5 |
Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 5/5 |
General Health | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 4/5 |
Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 1/5 |
NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 1/5 |
Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 1/5 |
Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 2/5 |
Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 2/5 |
Easy To Train | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 2/5 |
Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 3/5 |
Weight | 50 to 70 pounds | 25 to 46 pounds |
Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 12.5 years |
Average Price | $1480 | $590 |
Price Range | $1000 – $1800 | $500 – $600 |
Temperament Score | 80.8 percent | 83.3 percent |
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Collie in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Australian Kelpie. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for the Collie is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Australian Kelpie is 72 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Collie is a better pet than the Australian Kelpie. So, you should get a Collie!
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Collie and the Australian Kelpie
Below is a list of where the Collie and the Australian Kelpie are most different:
The Similarities Between the Collie and the Australian Kelpie
The Collie and the Australian Kelpie are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Collie and the Australian Kelpie are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Collie versus Australian Kelpie
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Collie and the Australian Kelpie.
The Collie weighs 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. The Collie is 22 to 26 inches all at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, the Australian Kelpie weighs 25 to 46 pounds when fully grown. The Australian Kelpie is 15 to 20 inches when fully grown.
Lifespan of Collie versus Australian Kelpie
The lifespan of the Collie is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Collie is 12.0 years.
The lifespan of the Australian Kelpie is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Australian Kelpie is 12.5 years.
The Australian Kelpie live longer than the Collie.
Temperament of the Australian Kelpie Versus the Collie
The Australian Kelpie has a better temperament than the Collie.
This is because the temperament score for the Australian Kelpie is 83.3 percent while the temperament score for the Collie is 80.8 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 80.8 percent, the Collie has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 83.3 percent, the Australian Kelpie has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Collie and the Australian Kelpie by measuring the temperaments of 896 Collies and 6 Australian Kelpies.
Price of Collie versus Price of Australian Kelpie
The average price of the Collie puppy is $1480. The price of the Collie typically ranges from $1000 – $1800. However, the price of a Collie can be as low as $300 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 356 Collie puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Australian Kelpie puppy is $590. The price of the Australian Kelpie typically ranges from $500 – $600. However, the price of the Australian Kelpie can be as low as $100 and as high as $1000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 20 Australian Kelpie puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Collie is more expensive than the Australian Kelpie.
Collie | Australian Kelpie | |
---|---|---|
Average Price | $1480 | $590 |
Price Range | $1000 to $1800 | $500 to $600 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Collie and Australian Kelpie. For different price points, the charts show how many Collie puppies or how many Australian Kelpie puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Collies. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Australian Kelpies
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Collie puppy or the Australian Kelpie puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.
Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
Check out our list of best Collie breeders here
Adopting the Collie versus Adopting the Australian Kelpie
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Collies and many Australian Kelpies are currently available for adoption.
These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.
Below is an adorable Male Collie named Marty that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Collies like Marty on pefinder.com.
Also, like Collies, Australian Kelpies are also available for adoption. For example, Baby is a Male Australian Kelpie that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Australian Kelpies like Baby that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Also, Handsom is an adorable Male Australian Kelpie on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Collies and Australian Kelpies that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Collie versus Australian Kelpie
Collies do not like to be left alone.
Australian Kelpies do not like to be left alone.
Do Collies shed more than Australian Kelpies?
Collies shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Australian Kelpies shed moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Collie or the Australian Kelpie?
Collies require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Australian Kelpies are very easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Collie or the Australian Kelpie?
Collies get along very well with other dogs.
Australian Kelpies get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Collies good family dogs? What about Australian Kelpies?
Collies are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Australian Kelpies are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Collie Easier to Train than the Australian Kelpie?
Collies are very easy to train.
Australian Kelpies are very easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Collie or the Australian Kelpie
Collies do have a very low tendency to drool.
Australian Kelpies do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Collies and Australian Kelpies?
Collies get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Australian Kelpies do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Does the Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Australian Kelpie?
Collies have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Australian Kelpies have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Do Collies Bark and Howl? What about Australian Kelpies?
Collies are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Australian Kelpies are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Australian Kelpies Tolerate Cold Weather?
Collies can very well tolerate cold weather.
Australian Kelpies can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Collie vs. Australian Kelpie
Collies do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Australian Kelpies have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Australian Kelpies Tolerate Hot Weather?
Collies can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Australian Kelpies can tolerate hot weather.
Is the Collie Better for Apartment Owners than the Australian Kelpie?
Collies adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Australian Kelpies do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Collie or the Australian Kelpie?
Collies are very good for new dog owners.
Australian Kelpies are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Collie compares to other breeds aside from the Australian Kelpie. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Collie to other breeds:
Collie versus Chow Chow Collie versus Irish Terrier Collie versus Redbone Coonhound Collie versus Shih Tzu Collie versus Weimaraner Collie versus Whippet Collie versus Afghan Hound Collie versus Welsh Terrier Collie versus Puli Collie versus Bloodhound Collie versus Norwich Terrier Collie versus Tibetan Terrier Collie versus Chi-Poo Collie versus Chinook Collie versus Cavachon Collie versus Bearded CollieConclusion: Collie versus Australian Kelpie. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Collie and the Australian Kelpie better suits you and your family.